19/07/2010
NEWS STORY
Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz insists there is no favouritism within his team, though he admits that the situation at Silverstone could have been handled better.
In an interview with Austria's Kleine Zeitung, Mateschitz, who owns the Red Bull and Toro Rosso teams, attempts to set the record straight ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix.
Asked if he "interferes" in the running of the teams, he replied: "Naturally I interfere", admitting that because he finances two teams there is no way that he wouldn't interfere. However, he claims that much of the recent speculation regarding manipulation within the team has been the work of the media for its dramatic effect.
"We do not have a number one and no number two," he continued. "Both drivers get cars that are exactly the same. The problem with the new wing at Silverstone was the first exception.
"The difference between the old and new wings was negligible," he continued, "there was hardly any difference, and it was Christian Horner who ultimately decided to give it to Vettel."
Asked if he is involved in such decisions, the Austrian said: "Normally, we are constantly in touch by telephone. In this case I was not involved. Unfortunately, this issue was incorrectly communicated, both internally and in terms of the media.
"Naturally the situation for Mark was not pleasant," he admitted when asked about how Webber had dealt with the situation. "A trifling issue was turned into a major problem.
"However," he continued with a laugh, "we have two drivers fighting for the world championship it is a luxury, a problem that many other teams would gladly welcome".
Asked why he - or his team - will not nominate a number one - he replied: "Because this philosophy does not correspond with my understanding of racing. There is no programmable world champion. Our two drivers know that while they must beat one another, they also have to work together in order to take from the competition as many points as possible."
Asked, if he was tempted to muzzle his drivers, he replied: "That is not out style. Everyone can say what they think, that is one of the highest virtues of Red Bull".
Asked to clarify that he doesn't mind which of his drivers wins the title, he said: "I have no preferences, if either wins it will still be the same to me".
When it is pointed out that the rivalry between his two drivers might well play into the hands of rival teams, Mateschitz said: "I consider that improbable, but I do not exclude it. But if it should happen, my God, we are talking of racing here. The image of blood, sweat and tears does not come about by chance."